My passion was African American history
during the Civil War era. I had done a great deal of research on the
subject, however it was difficult to find an audience or support. The
gospel music station WFLT gave me an opportunity to share what I had
learned with their listening audience. I spoke for over an hour and
anticipated feed back from the Flint Community. Only one person called
the station for more information however and that was Jim Campbell. Jim
was a college teacher and asked me to speak at his Black History class,
which I was eager to do. I spoke at Jimís history class on several
occasions for close to 2 hours each. I enjoyed speaking to Jimís
captured audience and he invited me to speak to another captured
audience at the Lapeer Correctional facility. Jim had been a prison
volunteer for some time and had established relationships with the
prison and many inmates serving there. Jim was not only a teacher in
prison but he was also their friend. On several occasions I met with Jim
for lunch and a prisoner that had recently been released joined us. Jim
was interested in their lives and well-being even after they were
released from prison

I had this idea of teaching black history with presentations, plays
and reenactments. The idea was to use black history as a tool for making
the lives of people better. Jim agreed to help me and serve on the board
of The Gospel Army Black History Group from its beginning.

We taught this history at schools, prisons and Crossroads Village.
Jim seldom missed an event. Jim helped in every way he could. He
researched important Civil War battles that black troops participated in
and help to correct inaccuracies. Jim narrated battle re-enactments as
well as portraying Generals that commanded black Civil War troops. He
portrayed General Butler and General Hunter who both started the first
black Civil War regiments.

Jimís most compelling role however was that of portraying John Brown
at his trial and hanging. On his way to the gallows, Jim would stop to
kiss the black child, according to John Brownís legend. Jim did this
well because he had John Brownís soul.

A song was written about John Brown and was turned into the Battle
Hymn of the Republic. The song fits Jim Campbell well.

He is gone to be a soldier in the Army of the LordHe is gone to be a soldier in the Army of the LordHe is gone to be a soldier in the Army of the LordHis soul is marching on

Jim Campbell passed away last year. We will miss Jim and we know we
canít replace him but we will not quit or give up. Jim would not want us
to do that.

The Gospel Army project directly responds to the problem of poverty
in our community because it addresses the legacy of slavery. The
institution of slavery as it was practiced in the United States for more
than two hundred years not only impoverished black Americans but
attempted to render them hopeless and totally dependent on their white
masters -- the "plantation mentality." A large number of blacks in our
community are still poor and defeated. Small children in these families
not only suffer all the negative effects of poverty but are conditioned
to believe there is little that can be done. Recent studies show that a
large percentage of the people of Flint feel the community is without
leadership, they distrust the existing political leadership, yet they
have a tendency to passively wait for somebody from higher up to set
things right. This unhealthy outlook has roots in the legacy of slavery.
Yet, there is another truth to the history of slavery, that slaves only
survived but actually maintained their dignity and struggled to achieve
a better life. The various activities of the Gospel Army project,
including the Juneteenth program at Crossroads Village and the
activities of the local black Civil War re-enactors, expose the local
black community to those blacks in slavery who took action to improve
their situation and change the way of life in America (incidentally a
change that benefits all Americans, not just blacks). Their bravery and
sacrifice (the ultimate sacrifice in the case of thousands of black
Civil War soldiers) can be an inspiration to the poor and hopeless
blacks of our community. The Gospel Army project is a significant
contribution to the fight against poverty and hopelessness in our
community.

Shortly after Jim died we lost Major Grays. Like Jim, Mayor was with
us from the beginning and never missed a meeting or presentation.
Majorís favorite part was called "Prayer in the trading yard." The story
is from the slave narratives and described the experience of a family
being sold in a New Orleans slave trade market. They were caught praying
however a motherís faith prevailed. Major loved that narration. Towards
the end he was sick and it was difficult for him to walk. He said that
he would make it to the play on his own. Major died 8 weeks later. We
really miss him.

It was good to hear from Denice Burkeff with the
information that you wanted to get feed-back on the Juneteenth
festivities. Personally, I want to thank you for allowing me to
participate. Being a History and English major in school, with minors in
theater and speech, I found the whole concept fascinating. It re-opened
my eyes and mind to some things that I had either forgotten or become
too comfortable with. In portraying the role of Steven Williams, a lot
of feelings were stirred inside of me. Some of which I never knew I had.
It brought to life sorrowful memories of what our ancestors had to
endure. What they went through in order for us to be at the place in
time in which we are. And yet, we still have a very long way to go.
There is still another river to cross. I met a lot of talented people
from all stages of life. But the one thing that shined in my eye was the
wholeness. That desire to bring this 'thing" to life. The wanting to
show others what had already been endured and what was yet needed, by us
as a people. I hope and pray that this was NOT the last time a segment
of our history would be displayed. I also hope that WHEN the next saga
unveils, I shall once again play a role. Please contact me at any time.
I have given you all the information needed in which to do this except
my work schedule, which is M-F 8am-4pm. Once again, it was a lot fun and
very informative. I look forward to the next one. God bless you and keep
you safe.

My name is Patricia Enright Gray. It was indeed a
pleasure and an honor to act in, as well as, direct the Gospel Army in
the Juneteenth Celebration at Crossroads Village. This was my second
consecutive year working with John and the Group. The most rewarding
aspect for me was the fact that history for so many years have been
confined to books. If you don't read, you don't get any history.
Juneteenth has worked as a catalyst to bridge the gap between the reader
and the non-reader. This program also allows the participant the
opportunity to bring history to life in a dramatic, funny, spiritual and
factual fashion. For so long, people have believed that slaves lacked
human qualities. Black, as well as, white Americans need to understand
as well as experience through visual arts the integrity, family values,
and strength of the slaves and soldier. I'm looking forward to many more
years to come with the Juneteenth Celebration. In closing, I would like
to say it is my pleasure and honor to share my God given talent as an
actor and a director with the Gospel Army.

I am writing this letter to express the elation I get
from being a participant in the gospel army, Civil war re-enactors.I am a graduate of University of Michigan. I hold a
BA in World History and a minor in African American studies.

The research that John White has done is truly
remarkable. This information is vital to the process of elevating the
perception of African Americans in this community to a status of
equality.

We are endeavoring as a group to show the
dehumanizing experience of slavery from a victorious perspective, "for a
people to endure such a terrible institution and still thrive means that
they are greater than the sum total of what has come against them."

The true story of African Americans role in the
development of this nation must be illuminated to White people and Black
people in order to raise us from the destructive doldrums of ignorance
and hatred to the lofty heights of respect and appreciation.

I am happy to be a part of something that I feel will
help bring American society to a point of realizing that this is not
just the story Black people versus White people but it is a story of the
triumph of righteousness over a tremendously evil institution, whose
ramifications are still manifested and must be eradicated.

As a result of working with Juneteenth in the
re-enactment of the Civil War, (Black) in particular, I have received an
education as well as insight into this era. I hope to see this program
continue. For two years, I have had the privilege of portraying two
honored people, Sergeant Spencerís and Captain Garland H. White. Also,
this year, I played the part of the Color Bearer. It is such an exciting
event that one finds it very easy to be in character. John White, the
overseer of the re-enactment is doing a fine job.

For the past two years, it has been my privilege to
work as a non-professional actress in the historical re-enactment at
Crossroads Village. The experience has proven to be educational as well
as pleasant. Working to learn the role of the character one is to
portray, as well as, listening to other portrayals is not only fun, but
you learn a lot of history as part of the bargain. It's really learning
while doing. I have had the opportunity to meet some new people and
learn from them. You do not feel intimated because everyone is a novice
and from various communities striving to portray something positive for
everyone.

Portraying former slave Mary Reynolds was a very
educational experience for me. I'd never heard of Mary, or any other
characters in the re-enactment until the Juneteenth Celebration. I'm a
great history buff, so I learned a lot of history by studying for the
role. I also enjoyed meeting and interacting with the others who were
involved. But I really learned one thing. Even in the harsh times of
slavery, prayer and faith in the Lord got many of the slaves through
hard times. The same thing applies today. Having trust and faith in the
Lord.

In working with the Juneteenth re-enactments, I have
grown so much as an actress and have learned even more about my history.
This re-enactment has given me an opportunity to venture out in other
areas of interest - such as Michigan Storytellers. I have also met so
many new people, and have experienced so many working conditions. I
found I can stretch my self to an area I did not know I was capable of.
Everything about this experience was so very wonderful. I would love to
continue in this re-enactment.

The Gospel Army Project began many years before its inception as a
yearly presentation at Cross Road Village. It began asan identity search via the research and history of the Battle of
New Market Heights. This search lead to a project with young Black
American men. This project lead to the creation of a young male troop of
gospel soldiers. These cadets were to respond to the struggle of Black
Americans in a blighted area of an unhealthy community. Their response
would be based on the principles of the beatitudes. This experience with
young people was, as one would expect, far more rewarding than the
service rendered.

The quest culminated with the blessing of having some of the most
talented and amazing persons in this spear as an associate in your
lifetime. The attempt to provide community leadership in the form of a
young male army is an ethical, righteous and non self serving stance in
an unhealthy and material world'. This Pollyanna view was also and is
for sure the only way to go.